Rose Varga, pillar of Ridgecrest community, passes

A bright spot in the community dimmed Monday when a long-time Ridgecrest resident died, leaving behind a powerful legacy and foundation.

By Jack Barnwelljbarnwell@ridgecrestca.com

A bright spot in the community dimmed Monday when a long-time Ridgecrest resident died, leaving behind a powerful legacy and foundation.Rose Varga died Monday in Ohio with family at the age of 99. She would have been 100 on April 5. A private memorial was held in Ohio, and another service is planned in Ridgecrest in April at a date to be determined.Varga entrenched herself in the community, especially through her efforts in the city's rehab center, the American Cancer Society, the transit system and her own foundation, the Rose Varga Discretionary Fund.She moved with her late husband Frank to Ridgecrest in 1971 from Ohio. She began her battle with breast cancer in 1978.Varga was looked after by her daughter, Sheila Lloyd, until Lloyd died July 29.She was described by some as a dedicated and unique individual whose experience as a cancer survivor made her a prominent figure in the American Cancer Society and doing good through the Rose Discretionary Fund, founded in 1987.A devoted community leader, Varga gave without hesitation to various cancer charities and was a driving force for so many years in the community.Her nonprofit organization was set up to help those in need, especially with those who required assistance with medical aid. She advocated strongly for seniors or those who were in need.Its no-interest loans and its Medical Equipment Loan Program helped people who were struggling with medical needs.Leslie Barkman, Varga's granddaughter, said her grandmother's influence had been felt throughout the community.“The Rose Varga Discretionary Fund is one of her greatest accomplishments,” Barkman said in an email Wednesday. “She was responsible for our local area transit system, assisted living (High Desert Haven), convalescent hospital (Beverly Manor), once served as American Cancer Society president. (She) dedicated her life to helping the needy.”Barkman said her grandmother received recognition from U.S. presidents, national organizations, congressmen and senators, received two keys to the city of Ridgecrest.“She was often referred to as 'Rose of the Desert' and 'Ridgecrest's First Lady,” Barkman said.Various city leaders spoke highly of Varga, recalling the impact she and her nonprofit had on the community.“She was the Mother Teresa of Ridgecrest,” Mayor Dan Clark said. “She did a phenomenal amount of work in the valley.”Clark, who knew Varga back to his days as principle of St. Ann's School, described her as a good person, sharp and full of energy even at 85.“She would go to speak to council meetings and everyone would be glued to her words,” Clark said. “That's how much respect she had.”Clark recalled helping to build a shed in Varga's backyard, where she would keep all her medical supplies and prescriptions for people in need.Duane Larimer, former president of the Rose Varga Discretionary Fund, described Varga as “driven, intelligent and committed,” especially when it came to helping people.“Her and her organization has had a great impact in the community by helping people in need of medical attention,” Larimer said. “Back when she was in charge of the Discretionary Fund, she was always just tireless. Her main focus was on the individual she was helping.”Vice Mayor Chip Holloway called Varga a cornerstone of the community.“Rose is truly one of the founding pioneers of Ridgecrest,” Holloway said. “Her legacy is going to be incredible.”One of her legacies, Holloway said, was her foundation.“The one thing that was so incredible about Rose was she did so much for the community through her foundation,” he said. “Her whole foundation existed to prove people could do more than government could do.”Holloway, Clark and Larimer all pointed out Varga's habit to keep a historical record of Ridgecrest.“She was a history buff,” Larimer said. “She collected articles mercilessly about anything relating to the Rose Varga Foundation or anything about the town with respect to her interests.”Mayor Clark said that was one aspect Varga instilled in him.“She go me to put together a scrap book of everything I did,” Clark said. “I don't do it for myself but for my grandkids.”Former Mayor Ron Carter spoke highly of Varga, having known her since he began his tenure as principle of Las Flores Elementary in 1990.Carter said it was through the Discretionary Fund that he met Varga."I had a student in first grade that was throwing up every day," Carter said. Carter said with the help of an aide who spoke Spanish, it was discovered the student had serious dental problems. He then was referred to Varga by Kathy Armstrong."I called Rose Varga and she paid for the girl's dentist," Carter said. "The dentist had said if the student hadn't come in to take care of her tooth, the infection would have gone to her body and she would have died.""She was a legend, so dedicated to helping people,” Carter said. “Rose impressed me and I did everything I could for her. I’m going to miss her.”